Increase the Number of Volunteers

Goal: Increase the total number of well-trained civilian volunteers to safely provide immediate assistance in wider geographical areas under controlled environments by allowing individuals to utilize the talents, strengths and skills that they normally use on a day-to-day basis; in the event of an emergency or a disaster. 

Challenge: Train civilian volunteers to work efficiently and safely by strategically placing them into specific groups so that they can cohesively assist other groups and possibly work under the direct leadership of officials.  Volunteers should be able to receive training in accordance with standard national emergency and disaster volunteer guidelines; enabling volunteers to work locally and nationally under the same basic guidelines because individuals often relocate to other areas.  Volunteers should be allowed to do things they are most qualified to do and they should be allowed to do things they are most comfortable doing; with minimum devoted time and efforts.  For instance, teachers can volunteer to assist with the children, plumbers can be trained to assist with water issues; electricians can assist with electrical issues; construction workers can work with a variety of groups requiring construction knowledge or structural issues.  Locals can help eliminate language barriers.  People who are simply strong can be grouped to assist a variety of groups that require manual labor.  They can assist rescuers, help groups specializing in road debris removal to re-open roads and they can assist medical groups, etc. 

Incentive: Individuals should receive public recognition for completing and passing necessary online courses to become registered volunteers. Businesses should receive recognition for being sponsors for any type of group(s).  Individuals who receive further additional formal and/or group training should be noted as group leaders or managers.  Names can be posted on a national volunteer website acknowledging commitments.